I’m in full agreement with the masses: Marty Walsh went from being a relatively obscure state rep and labor leader to mayor-elect of the city, so, yeah, I think that’s a pretty good political year. Most of the write-ins were a concentrated effort for new Suffolk County Register of Probate Patty Campatelli (who was sworn in at the beginning of January, but was elected in 2012).

Last year, Michelle Wu got a law degree and got married. This year, she was the second-best vote earner in the city and won an at-large seat on the Boston City Council. You know what she’ll do next year? Turn 29. Definitely the rookie of the year—and voters recognized it despite the recent flap over her support of Bill Linehan for council president. Barros surely deserved votes. I think the voters are too harsh on Republican US Senate nominee Gabriel Gomez, but maybe they’re discounting him for not being a Bostonian. And the Cullinane enthusiasts might be a little over-eager, but the new Dorchester state rep certainly did have a good year, helping Forry win her state senate race and then winning her house seat.

I would definitely give this one to Flaherty, who won his way back onto the City Council after a failed mayoral run in 2009 and losing a 2011 attempt at the Council. But Richie’s return to political prominence, and Linehan’s strong re-election—and apparent rise to council president—are also deserving. Baker can try for the honor next year.

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Rob

David, you should do Boston Political Social Media awards too. Reward the ones that use it effectively and punish the ones who just post about what a great time they had at [fill in the blank] event. That’d be fun.

GOK

The 2013 winner of the Boston Political Social Media awards, should they come to pass, would be one Douglas Bennett.

In addition, the 2014 winner of the Boston Political Social Media awards, should they come to pass, would be one Douglas Bennett.